Real Monarchs 1 vs. 3 Colorado Rapids 2
June 12, 2022; University of Denver Soccer Stadium; Denver, Colorado
Real Monarchs (0-9-2, 2 points); Colorado Rapids 2 (2-7-2, 9 points)
Man of the Match: Real Salt Lake 14-year-old Homegrown forward Axel Kei stepped onto the pitch as a second-half substitute and immediately made his presence known in his MLS NEXT Pro debut. Kei found the back of the net on a through ball from fellow RSL Homegrown Bode “Davis” Hidalgo for his first goal in the newly-formed league and the Club’s first goal in four matches. Kei’s goal was the lone shot for the Monarchs as well.
Telling Stat: Forward Axel Kei became the youngest player to appear in an MLS NEXT Pro match when he stepped onto the pitch for Leo Torres. Kei surpasses fellow RSL Academy product Luis Rivera, who was born just 29 days before Kei, for the youngest player in MLS NEXT Pro. Kei is no stranger to being the youngest on the pitch as the forward made history last season in USL Championship when he stepped onto the pitch for the Monarchs and became the youngest professional athlete in American team sports at 13 years, 8 months, and 9 days.
What You Missed: Real Monarchs fall to an MLS-heavy Colorado Rapids 2 side in the Club’s first-ever meeting with its Rocky Mountain rivals. RSL Homegrown Gavin Beavers made his return to the lineup after missing the last match due to international duty with U.S. U-19 National Team. Additionally, midfielder Jude Wellings made his first appearance in five matches for the Monarchs, while fellow RSL Homegrown Julio Benitez returned to the Starting XI for the first time since suffering a concussion against Whitecaps FC 2 on April 2.
What’s Next: Real Monarchs will return home to face Earthquakes II on Friday, June 17th at 7:00 p.m. MT for Star Wars night. This will be the clubs’ first matchup of the season. Tickets are available at rsl.com/monarchs/tickets.
